FRSC Seeks FG’s Approval To Bear Firearms

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has put forth an urgent appeal to the government for permission to carry firearms.  The request comes in the light of increasing concerns about the safety of its personnel, who often face attacks from road users and criminals while performing their duties. Corps Marshal Dauda Biu conveyed this plea during the inauguration of 1,762 newly trained FRSC personnel in Kontagora, Niger State, on Saturday. Represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, Biu stressed the necessity of arming FRSC members to ensure their protection amidst the current security challenges in the country. The FRSC has been pursuing approval to bear arms since 1992, and the rising insecurity in Nigeria has amplified the urgency of this request.  Biu emphasized, “Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us to protect ourselves when the need arises.” While making this appeal, Biu also called on the newly trained personnel to exhibit unwavering dedication, discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty, and team spirit in the performance of their duties. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for granting the FRSC access to the training facility and commended the army trainers for their crucial role in ensuring the success of the training exercise. 

Deadly Communal Clashes Erupt in Osun Leaves 8 Dead, Homes In Ruins

In a tragic turn of events, communal clashes between the residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State have left about eight people dead, with several houses razed to the ground. The violence erupted on Thursday, leading to a significant loss of life, destruction of property, and a wave of fear and panic among the affected residents. The conflict escalated to a point where even security operatives found it challenging to access the embattled communities, and they remained stationed at the entrances. Sadly, some of those who lost their lives during the clashes were struck by stray bullets fired by the security forces deployed to quell the unrest. Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun-Jagun of Ilobu, speaking on behalf of the Ilobu community, revealed that four lives, including that of an innocent baby, were lost on their side during the crisis. Meanwhile, Prince Jide Akinyooye, representing the Ifon community, disclosed that numerous houses were set ablaze during the violent attack on their town. The root cause of the conflict was traced back to a land dispute exacerbated by a gazette that ceded portions of land belonging to Ifon to Ilobu during the tenure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Tensions simmered, and despite efforts to avoid retaliation, the situation escalated to a dangerous level. In response to the dire situation, Governor Ademola Adeleke swiftly intervened, issuing a directive that prohibited residents of both communities from accessing the disputed land. He emphasized that anyone found on the contested territory would be arrested and prosecuted. The state government has assumed control over the disputed land, and the Governor has urged community leaders to come together to seek a peaceful resolution. The crisis has forced numerous residents of Ilobu and Ifon to flee their homes in fear for their safety. The situation has also prompted the evacuation of corps members serving in the affected areas by the state government. Security personnel, including soldiers, DSS operatives, and police officers, have been deployed to the entrances of the two communities to maintain order. The violence reached such a level that a new police patrol van was burnt by the warring factions, and several police officers were injured in the line of duty. The situation is particularly challenging, as the conflicting parties have accused the police of taking sides in the dispute. To curb further escalation, the Osun State government declared a curfew in the two affected local government areas of Irepodun and Orolu. This measure aims to restore peace, protect lives, and prevent further bloodshed as authorities work to find a lasting solution to the underlying issues fueling the conflict.  

We’re Taking Legal Action Against Owners Of Impounded Vehicles, Tricycles, Others- FCTA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says owners of 149 impounded vehicles, 100 tricycles and motorcycles in the FCT will appear before a mobile court for various traffic offences. Dr Abdulateef Bello, the Director, FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), stated this in Abuja at the weekend, after inspecting the impounded vehicles. Bello, who visited some of the VIO Commands where the impounded vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles were kept, said that the owners would pay dearly for their sins. He explained that the offences included parking in unauthorised areas, driving against traffic, and operating unregistered and unpainted taxis as well as illegal motor parks. “I always advise that it is cheaper to be on the side of the law to obey simple rules and regulations. “We have asked commercial motorists to register and operate within the defined routes and motor parks and not to pick indiscriminately from the road corridors. “We have also told the tricycle operators to operate within the confines of the road plan, already agreed upon. “They are not supposed to come into the city. They are supposed to transport people that are going into estates and towards suburbs of the city,” he said. He said that traffic regulations have been reviewed, adding that fines will equally be reviewed upward. He said that traffic offenders would pay hugely when they face mobile court, “but I am sure it will serve as a deterrence”. The director said that the directorate was working with the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to review existing road traffic policies on traffic management. This, according to him, will ensure effective regulation of road traffic management. He noted that until the Abuja Mass Transit become fully operational to meet the needs of commuters, the directorate would continue to battle with unregistered vehicles operating illegally in the city. “This is because it is a function of demand and supply, but I am sure in no distant time, all these will be a thing of the past,” he said. 

Police Kill 4 Kidnappers, Recover Weapons In Delta

The police command in Delta has killed four members of a gang which specialised in kidnapping. The spokesman for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Wednesday in Warri. Edafe said that the hoodlums were killed on Monday by operatives of the command during a patrol on the Jesse/ Igueleba Road. He said that the armed gang members sighted the patrol vehicle from their hideout, deflated its front tyre and engaged the patrol team on a gun duel. “Due to reported incidents of kidnapping on Jesse axis of the state, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wale Abass, directed deployment of operatives of the Special Anti-kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad and DOPS Bufallo team, among others, to the area. “Consequently, on Sept. 18, during a joint patrol on Jesse – Igueleba Road, the team encountered a gang of armed bandits who laid ambush to attack and kidnap unsuspecting motorists. “The hoodlums fired at the front tyre of the lead pickup van; thus, demobilising the vehicle. “They were swiftly engaged in a gun duel by the police team. The armed bandits eventually succumbed to the superior firepower of the policemen,” he said. According to the spokesman, the police team pursued the bandits into a deep forest during which four of them were killed. The police spokesman said that one Ak-47 rifle with 20 rounds of live ammunition, two locally-made cut-to-size guns and cartridges were recovered from them. 

We’re Upholding the Law By Crushing Impounded Commercial Bikes -FCTA

In a bid to reinforce the ban on commercial motorcycles, commonly known as “Okada,” within the city centre of Abuja, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) recently conducted an operation to impound and crush 400 illegally operating motorcycles. This move, according to Mrs. Deborah Osho, the Head of Operations at DRTS, was in strict compliance with the provisions of the law. According to her, the ban on Okada operations within the city centre of Abuja has been in effect since 2006, as directed by the Federal Capital Territory Road Transport Regulation of 2005. This regulation designates specific areas where Okada riders are permitted to operate, excluding the city center districts, including Wuse, Central Business District, Maitama, Asokoro, and others. “The enforcement of this ban became necessary due to several concerns. Okada operators had been associated with security threats, quick getaways from crime scenes, kidnappings, snatching valuables, mobile phone theft, and a rising number of accidents within the city. “Therefore, the decision to crush impounded Okada motorcycles aligns with the law, which provides for such action against motorcycles seized for constituting security threats or those impounded with a court forfeiture order. “Despite prior sensitization and awareness campaigns conducted even before the ban in 2006, Okada operators within the city centre continued to defy the regulations. Authorities have also held meetings with Okada leadership to emphasize the ban and its consequences for non-compliance,” Osho explained in an interview. She said that to strengthen the enforcement of the ban and address issues of alleged corruption in the seizure process, the FCTA amended the ban to include the forfeiture of impounded commercial motorcycles to the government. “This approach aims to prevent officials from collecting bribes and releasing the motorcycles back onto the streets. Instead, the impounded motorcycles would be crushed and sold to recycling companies, with the proceeds deposited into a government account. “The decision to crush impounded Okada motorcycles reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the law, ensuring public safety, and minimizing security threats within the city centre. It also serves as a deterrent to both operators and potential buyers of these impounded motorcycles,” she explained further. She concluded by saying that the recent operation to impound and crush illegal commercial motorcycles in Abuja’s city centre is a clear demonstration of the FCTA’s determination to enforce the ban on Okada operations in designated areas.

NIHSA confirms closure of Lagdo Dam, cautions on possible floods

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has officially verified the decision made by Cameroonian authorities to halt the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NIHSA Director General, Mr. Clement Nze, emphasized that there is no need for alarm or concern regarding potential flooding within the country. Nze acknowledged that instances of flooding in key urban centers and coastal regions are primarily attributed to escalated rainfall and flash floods, a consequence of climate change. He emphasized that serious flooding and its associated destruction and loss of life could be mitigated by the proactive preparedness of relevant authorities, including preventing construction on flood-prone areas. Each year, neighbouring Cameroon discharges water from the Lagdo Dam in northern Cameroon, flowing downstream into Nigeria, a practice that has led to flooding issues in the country. It’s worth noting that during the dam’s construction in the 1980s, both nations agreed to erect a twin dam on the Nigerian side to manage overflow; however, this second dam was never realized. Nze clarified that releasing excess water from the Lagdo Dam constitutes a standard reservoir operation aimed at averting potential dam failure. He highlighted that water releases are critical to maintaining dam stability and reducing flooding risks for nearby communities. Elaborating on the specifics, he shared, “The Lagdo Dam is situated along the Benue River within the Niger Basin. The Cameroonian authorities initiated the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam on August 14, 2023, starting at 10:10 AM. The initial water release rate was 200 cubic meters per second, amounting to approximately 18 million cubic meters of water daily. “As of August 25, 2023, water releases from the reservoir were decreased to 50 cubic meters per second, a standard reservoir operation that poses negligible flood risk downstream. Moreover, on August 28, 2023, at 5:16 PM, the Hydrologist in charge of the Dam informed NIHSA’s Director General that they ceased water spilling by 11:00 AM the same day.” Nze assured that NIHSA will maintain continuous monitoring of water levels in rivers Niger and Benue, with readings currently indicating no impending flood threats. He emphasized that NIHSA is tasked with delivering data for sustainable management of Nigeria’s substantial surface and subterranean water resources through collaboration with key stakeholders. The Director General urged states to support the Federal Government’s initiatives by raising awareness about flood disaster prevention among their populace. He stressed that flood prevention is a collective effort and that the government cannot achieve this goal single-handedly. He further urged states to prioritize thorough drainage system upkeep, construction, and enforcement of building codes to forestall calamities. Nze provided updates on the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa state, designed to serve as a buffer against floods during excessive water release from the Lagdo Dam. He disclosed that the project’s study and design phases are complete, and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is coordinating with consultants to proceed with procurement. Regarding the dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to curtail severe flooding, Nze acknowledged the substantial cost and the requirement for desilting. If executed effectively, this endeavor has the potential to replenish groundwater across numerous areas. It’s noteworthy that 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas. These include Adamawa, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.

FCTA demolishes illegal market used for criminal hideouts in Abuja

The officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday demolished an illegal market called “Kasuwan Dare”, a suspected hideout for hoodlums and drug dealers in Asokoro, Abuja. The market was located at Hassan Musa Katsina Street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension, Abuja. Speaking after the demolition, the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said that the illegal market was becoming a threat to the residents of the area and passerby. Galadima added that the area was turned into a haven for criminal activities despite relentless efforts by the FCT Administration to sanitise the area. He added that the miscreants operating in the area were affecting the aesthetic quality of the entire environment, adding that the Administration would allow it to continue. He said that area had to go because it constituted a security threat, adding that the area was also serving as a hideout for miscreants, drug dealers and men of the underworld. “The operation will help us get rid of the hoodlums and drug dealers that have taken over the place. “We had demolished the place about three times, but the nuisances rebuilt and continued their activities. “This time around, the demolished market will remain demolished. We need to sanitise the place and enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment. “It is also part of the current administration’s policy of sanitising the city, and this is one of the areas we are commencing the exercise,” he said. Also, the Secretary, FCTA Command and Control, Mr Peter Olumuji, said that efforts would be put in place to ensure the safety of residents in the area. The Village Head of Kpaduma, Mr Bitrus Yakubu, commended the FCT Administration for coming to their rescue and for ridding the area of hoodlums. “The place has been here for over twenty years but today it has gone down for our own good. “We are very happy as a community that the area is cleared for good,” Bitrus said.

Troops apprehend 17 suspects for alleged crimes in Plateau, Kaduna

Troops belonging to Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military task force entrusted with maintaining peace in Plateau, parts of Bauchi, and Kaduna States, have successfully apprehended 17 suspects on charges related to murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities. In a statement provided by Captain James Oya, the Media Officer of the operation, it was revealed that these arrests took place between August 21 and August 28 across various locations within the region of their operational responsibility. “Troops arrested five suspects for killing one Mr. Joshua Deme on his farm in Kassa village, situated within Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau,” Captain Oya stated. He continued, “We also executed a meticulously planned operation in Jagindi Tasha village, located in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of a long-sought suspected kidnapper, Mr. Baba Habu.” Further emphasizing the successful efforts, Captain Oya explained, “We effectively thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Angwan Takai village within Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau. This achievement was facilitated by the rapid response of our troops to a distress call.” Over the stated period, the troops achieved a series of milestones – apprehending suspects, rescuing kidnapped victims, foiling armed robbery endeavors, and preventing potential attacks on vulnerable communities. Arms and ammunition were also seized from some of the apprehended suspects. Captain Oya reported, “In parallel endeavors, our troops conducted operations at Gwash and Kamantan villages in Jos North and Zango Kataf local government areas of Plateau and Kaduna. Here, we succeeded in recovering firearms, including a pistol, cartridges, and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.” Amidst these operations, the security forces managed to detain a notorious armed robber, Mohammed Lawal, in Kafanchan town. The seizure of two fabricated rifles and one pistol accompanied his arrest. A truck transporting vandalized railway tracks was intercepted along Gidan Ado village in Riyom. The operations also extended to addressing drug-related offenses. “A drug kingpin, Maxwell Davou, was apprehended in a sting operation with substances suspected to be illicit drugs at Waye Foundation Du in Jos South,” Captain Oya stated. The troops’ determination led them to engage bandits around Alaghom and Mangu, eventually neutralizing some and retrieving weapons. The comprehensive efforts of the troops extended beyond criminal activities as they intervened to manage 237 cows that were damaging crops on farms across Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.

NDLEA seizes 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in 3 states, FCT

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives intercepted at least 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in Gombe, Adamawa, Ogun and other parts of the federation between August 21 and August 23. Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that NDLEA officers recovered an abandoned vehicle on Darazo Road in Gombe State containing 373,420 tramadol and diazepam pills on August 21. He added that operatives also recovered 60,000 pills of tramadol from a suspect travelling in a commercial Toyota Starlet car from Kalaa village to Mubi both in Adamawa on August 22. “Operatives raided the home of a drug dealer in Ibafo area of Ogun on August 23 and recovered 81,000 tablets of tramadol weighing 32.4kg. “In the FCT, operatives intercepted two consignments of suspected skunk with a gross weight of 1,242.1kg. “The first consignment of 665.1kgs was seized from a truck in Abuja on August 20, while the second one, weighing 577kg, was recovered during a stop-and-search operation on Lokoja- Abaji Expressway. “The consignment was concealed in an online shopping company’s goods delivery packs conveyed inside a containerised truck. The driver and his assistant were arrested,’’ he stated. Babafemi stated also that NDLEA operatives conducting stop-and-search operation on Jebba-Minna Road linking Kwara and Niger intercepted a commercial truck conveying goods from Lagos to Katsina on August 22. The truck had 37.5kg of suspected Indian hemp hidden among other items inside it, he added. The driver and his assistant were also arrested for investigation. “In Yobe, NDLEA operatives intercepted a vehicle on Potiskum (Yobe)-Gombe Road on August 23 “Three suspects in the vehicle were arrested with 133 blocks of suspected Indian hemp weighing 62kg,’’ Babafemi also stated. 

Police arrest man with fresh human corpse in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun said one Babatunde Kolawole, allegedly found with a fresh male human corpse, was arrested and handed over to its personnel at Ado/Odo-Ota area of the state. SP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Ota, Ogun, said the suspect was apprehended by Amotekun Corps. According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango-Ota, CSP Saleh Dahiru, received a report by Amotekun and took the suspect, Kolawole, into custody. “Preliminary investigations have commenced into the incident. “Although the suspect did not deny the incident, he claims to be a native doctor who was attempting to revive the deceased.  “However, it remains unclear how the suspect obtained the fresh corpse during the late hours of the night,” she said. The PPRO said that so far, no one had come forward to claim the body, and the suspect had not revealed any information about the origin of the corpse, to enable police to gather more information and solve the case. She added that the corpse had been transported to the Ifo General Hospital for an autopsy. Odutola enjoined members of the community to provide any useful information related to the incident to the police. She also said that the community members could assist the police in their investigation by helping to shed more light on the disturbing occurrence.